Monday, April 12, 2010

About


"The exciting idea
behind landscape design and what sets it apart from any other field of design, is that you're working with organic material which, when put into the ground, can be totally unpredictable. A garden is in constant flux from inception through its different stages of maturity, as well as the seasonal changes. That makes it more challenging because sometimes it means you have to do a little experimenting.

As Southern California residents, we are becoming "smarter", adapting our gardens to the changing drier climate.
"Smart" design incorporates more than just being water-wise. Other important factors are addressing how a space is going to be used. This is usually the first thing I ask the client. So a person's lifestyle plays a big part of garden design. Lastly, a garden is the collaboration between the designer and the person(s) cultivating it. Maintenance of the garden is one of the largest components influencing design and plant selection that many forget to take under consideration.

Perhaps the most gratifying part of my role as a garden designer is to see the potential of a space and then be involved in its transformation into something real and tangible. Once the garden is initially planted, then its all about watching it grow and of course, maintaining it. That's the fun part."

Mediterranean Palette


A Mediterranean plant palette, appropriate for our Los Angeles climate, compliments the Spanish style architecture of this house. It includes Echium fastuosum, Phormium tenax, Pittosporum crassifolium 'compacta', Statice, Anigozanthos, assorted varieties of Lavender, and Teucrium. Sedum ground cover and Festuca amethysina are planted on the parkways to replace lawn.

Color in the Garden


Th combination of plants with variegated foliage creates color & interest in the garden and requires much less water & maintenance than traditional annual color.

Permeable Paving as Entry Walk



Concrete pavers, planted with Dymondia ground cover between, is a better alternative to solid walkways as it is more permeable. This border is edged with a Mediterranean border of plants & native grasses including New Zealand Flax & Carex.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Lawn Alternatives


Festuca rubra (Red Fescue) also known as 'no mow' is a good choice for sloped areas because it doesn't need to be mowed and has less water needs than regular lawn.

Gardens Divided into Living Spaces


The garden flows into three outdoor rooms separated by different levels. Each 'room' has its own purpose, whether it be for dining, lounging, or sunbathing.

Small Space Made Large

This flagstone patio acts as an extension of living space off of the family room, an example of how a small space can be transformed into a valuable functioning one.